Gwen ran blind down the steps, heart hammering so hard she could feel it in her throat. The lounge lights blurred into streaks as she pushed through the crowd, calling Sandra’s name over the noise. Her breath came fast and hot. She didn’t look where she was going, she only knew she had to reach the lounge, had to find Sandra.
A hand slammed into her from the side and she went down hard. Instinct wanted to scream, to cry out, to run, but another hand clamped over her mouth so fast it stole the sound. Fingers dug into her cheek, rough and certain. She felt the grip of a familiar strong palm.
“Don’t scream. Don’t scream,” a hushed voice breathed in her ear.
“Damien?” Gwen managed, eyes wide as she stared up at him.
“Yeah. It’s me.” He kept his hand tight over her mouth like that was the o
